Council of Government Names Beech Mountain Mayor Outstanding Executive Board Member

Published Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at 10:54 am

Mayor E. ‘Rick’ Miller and High Country Council of Government Region-D Chair to the Executive Board and Mayor to the Town of Banner Elk, Brenda Lyerly. Photo copyright: Burton

High Country Council of Government Region-D Chair to the Executive Board and Mayor to the Town of Banner Elk, Brenda Lyerly, stated that the High Country Council of Governments Executive Board chose E. Rick Miller, Mayor of Beech Mountain, as their Outstanding Executive Board Member at their annual banquet. This award honors service and effort in promoting cooperation among local governments in the region and the state.

Mayor Miller established himself in his community as a local business owner. He was first elected to office in December of 1987, and his service has spanned over 15 years  with 8 of those years as Mayor through Board appointment. Notable achievements include: involvement with the first Town Hall, addressing sales tax distribution methods through the states judicial system, creating the first municipal 911 operational system in the county, spearheading the towns Streetscape project that continues to build walkable connectivity to businesses and recreational areas, completion of the towns 20-year Comprehensive Plan, establishment of a Municipal Fire Department in cooperation with the local Volunteer Fire Department, and completion of the towns new Water Treatment Plan facility.

Mayor Miller makes himself available as an ambassador to the community through regional and state-level involvement to represent local interests. As a civil servant, he has excelled in his community by promoting excellence in government. Mayor Miller has served on the Executive Board for High Country Council of Governments for 12 years.